NBA Rumors: Paul George Lands With Knicks in Proposed Trade

The New York Knicks have their alpha dog in Jalen Brunson. But how about a co-star, another certified superstar to play along with him and lift the team to a new level?

Some observers are suggesting that the Knicks go out and take a shot at landing impending free agent Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers. PG still doesn't have an extension, nearly five months after Kawhi Leonard got his. And per insider Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer, "According to league sources, Los Angeles was unwilling to offer George more than the three-year, $152.3 million extension it gave to Kawhi Leonard.”

The problem there is, George is eligible for a 4-year, $221 million contract, or $212 million from other teams in free agency. As a result of this, he's likely to opt out of the $46M he's owed in the final year of his deal and hit the open market. Unless...

Could the Knicks swing an "opt-in and trade" for PG by June 30th with some assurances of a long-term max deal?

Reports say that last summer, New York was in deep talks with the Clippers about a George trade before the 2023 NBA Draft.

According to Sporting News insider Evan Sidery, the Knicks can create an almost identical salary match with the following offer:

Knicks Receive:

Paul George

Clippers Receive:

Julius Randle
Bojan Bogdanovic

If New York then throws in a couple of first-round picks, they might have a deal.

The Knicks became a juggernaut this season without Randle on the court due to a season-ending injury, and observers some feel that they need to move on from him to take a step forward.

As for George, a nine-time All-Star, he'd add some big-time scoring and defense to the lineup. He averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists for the Clippers this season while shooting 41.3% from long range.